Pack Committee

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Every Cub Scoutpack is under the supervision of a Pack Committee. This committee consists of a minimum of three registered adult members, one of whom will be the Pack Committee Chair. The Pack Committee Chairperson organizes and chairs the Pack Committee.

Youth Protection training is required for all BSA registered volunteers, regardless of their position. New leaders are required to take Youth Protection training before they submit an application for registration. The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins.

Conduct, with the help of the Cubmaster, periodic training for parents and guardians.

Cooperate with other Scouting units.

A strong pack committee will have individual members assigned to such areas as record keeping and correspondence, finances, advancement, training, public relations, and membership and reregistration. The pack committee chair decides how the responsibilities should be divided and gives committee members assignments. Packs may have other committee members other than those listed below including members at large as determined by the Pack Committee Chair.

For more information about the role and responsibilities of Pack Committee Members, see our brochure for new Pack Committee Members.

Pack Committee Chair

Qualifications: Is at least 21 years old, subscribes to the Declaration of Religious Principle, and agrees to abide by the Scout Oath or Promise and the Scout Law. Possesses the moral, educational, and emotional qualities that the Boy Scouts of America deems necessary to afford positive leadership to youth. Is appointed by the chartered organization and registered as an adult leader of the BSA. Is a person of good character, familiar with organization procedures, with a deep concern for the pack's success. Preferably is a member of the chartered organization, respected in the community, who shows the willingness and ability to be the Cubmaster's chief adviser. This position is similar to a Boy Scout Troop Committee Chair.

Responsibilities: The pack committee chair's job is to

Maintain a close relationship with the chartered organization representative, keeping this key person informed of the needs of the pack that must be brought to the attention of the organization or the district.

Report to the chartered organization to cultivate harmonious relations.

Treasurer

Open or maintain a bank account in the pack's name and arrange for all transactions to be signed by any two of the Cubmaster, pack committee chair, secretary, or treasurer.

Approve all budget expenditures. Check all disbursements against budget allowances, and pay bills by check. The pack committee chair should approve bills before payment.

Collect dues from den leaders at the pack leaders' meeting, preferably in sealed den dues envelopes. Open envelopes in the presence of den leaders. Give receipts for these funds, and deposit the money in the bank account. See Individual Accounts.

Keep up-to-date financial records. Enter all income and expenditures under the proper budget item in the finance section of the Pack Record Book. Credit each Cub Scout with payment of dues. From time to time, compare the records with those of the den leaders to make sure they agree. Give leadership in developing a coordinated record-keeping system in the pack.

On the request of den leaders, sympathetically counsel with a boy who does not pay dues, determine the reason, and encourage regular payment. If the boy is unable to pay, work out a plan with the Cubmaster and pack committee so that the boy can earn dues.

Periodically report on the pack's financial condition at the monthly pack leaders' meeting. Make regular monthly reports to the pack committee at the pack leaders' meeting, and report to the chartered organization as often as desirable on the financial condition of the pack.

Public Relations Chair

Promote family participation in all pack events, such as blue and gold banquets, pack picnics, and other special events.

Urge pack participation in appropriate programs of the chartered organization, such as the worship service on Scout Sunday or Scout Sabbath if the organization is a church or synagogue and Cub Scouts are members. Suggest ways of showing interest in the chartered organization's overall program.

Consider using a monthly or quarterly pack newsletter to inform families of pack plans, guide new parents and guardians in pack policies, and create a feeling of unity among members of the pack family.

Arrange for periodic uniform inspections with the unit commissioner. At least a month before charter expiration, also arrange for the annual membership inventory, a uniform inspection, and the annual charter review meeting.

Conduct an annual census of boys in the chartered organization for systematic recruitment. Work with pack committee members to promote recruitment plans.

Visit new families in their homes. Review with them the Bobcat requirements and "Parent Guide" in their son's handbook. Emphasize the part that the family plays in their son's advancement. Stress parent/guardian participation at all pack functions and see that new families are introduced and feel welcome at pack meetings.

Work with the Cubmaster and pack committee to develop and carry out a plan for year-round membership growth.

Work with the Cubmaster and pack committee to see that

eligible Tiger Cubs transition into a Wolf den at the appropriate time.

I Signed Up; What’s Next?

Now that you are registered as a pack committee member, you will receive Scouting magazine, which contains helpful information to assist you as a leader. These steps will get you started:

Complete Fast Start training for Cub Scout pack committee members. Your pack leadership (pack trainer) will facilitate this video–based training, or you can complete the training online under Cub Scouts/Adult Leaders/Training at www.scouting.org. Youth Protection training for all Scouting volunteers is available through your local council Web Site.

Begin reading the Cub Scout Leader Book. (To start right away, you may need to borrow a copy briefly; until you can get your own.) This book describes your role as a pack committee member or pack committee chair and will give more information on the following steps.

Get acquainted with the other leaders in your pack. You will need their assistance in carrying out a successful pack program. You will be working closely with the pack committee chair and pack trainer.

Attend the monthly pack leaders’ planning meeting. This meeting is led by the pack committee chair and Cubmaster, and it is where pack plans are made.

Attend the monthly district Cub Scout leader roundtable. You will receive continuing help on pack management and will be acquainted with leaders from other packs, who will share ideas and experiences with you. Your unit commissioner or unit-serving executive can tell you when and where the roundtable meets.

Attend Cub Scout leader basic training sessions as soon as possible. There are two components to this training—Pack Committee Leader Specific Training, a specialized session to help you successfully plan a successful pack program, and New Leader Essentials, which is attended by leaders in all program areas. These will give you the foundation you need to become an effective and successful leader. Every boy deserves trained and qualified leaders. Your unit commissioner or unit-serving executive can give you information about training sessions.

Obtain and begin wearing the Cub Scout leader uniform as soon as possible. It is attractive, comfortable, and suitable for all Cub Scout meetings and activities. Wearing the uniform properly is important in setting a good example for the boys. Your unit commissioner or unit-serving executive can tell you where to obtain the uniform and insignia.

If you are pack committee chair, get acquainted with your unit commissioner. The commissioner is a friend to your pack and will be glad to answer questions

and help in other ways.

If you are pack committee chair, get to know your unit-serving executive. This professional Scouter is employed by your council to serve all Scouting units in your district, and will do everything possible to help you be successful.

If you are pack committee chair, begin to develop a close working relationship with the Cubmaster. The two of you will be working as a team to make the pack program successful.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help. There are many people who want to help you provide the finest possible Cub Scout experience for the boys in your pack.

By the time you have completed these steps, you will be well on your way to becoming
a successful pack leader.